FighterControl

Is it still here? No thread since the engine run last week.

wessexspotter wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:59 pm

Is it still here? No thread since the engine run last week.

It's got the Fairford curse.

This Fairford curse is a real thing and should not be disregarded…!!

Would make a nice Gate Guardian!

Maybe Fairford should not be used anymore if it's cursed.

That 25 hour mission must have really taken it out of the old gal.

Captain Haddock wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 29, 2023 3:40 pm

Would make a nice Gate Guardian!

Nope it's gotta be a Buff or nuffin'

wessexspotter wrote: ↑

Wed Nov 29, 2023 1:59 pm

Is it still here? No thread since the engine run last week.

I put a photo in 22/11 on Saturday..

Does seem odd that there's no apparent urgency to fix 0119 so it can return to Dyess, especially with (presumably) displaced flying and support crew that should have returned a couple of weeks ago.

According to other threads, the freight flights have only collected equipment so would any spares have gone on more regular flights to Mildenhall and be roaded across to Fairford or could we expect something soon?

Perhaps theyve just decided it's a piece of junk and they cant be asked anymore. First confirmation of RIAT maybe

Perhaps the USAF have decided to permanently forward deploy a single BONE to Fairford?

With the mission capability rate for the B-1s bouncing around 50% its hardly a surprise that engine issues prevented one of them flying home. Its probably awaiting parts and a maintenance crew to be sent over, both of which likely delayed by the 4 day Thanksgiving holiday or they may have more pressing priorities elsewhere. A few years ago the B-1 fully mission capable rate was down to around 10% for a variety of reasons when only 6 were classed that way. They are amongst the least reliable airframes in US DoD

Apparently (from a reliable source ) it ingested a bird when it arrived and is still awaiting repair before it can go back home.

Look forward to the updated nose art then

New Nose Art could be.... 'Angry Bird' https://th.bing.com/th?id=ODL.c27e285d6 ... id=RichNav
Maybe re-designated RSPB-1 ?

markcp wrote: ↑

Fri Dec 01, 2023 2:12 pm

Apparently (from a reliable source ) it ingested a bird when it arrived and is still awaiting repair before it can go back home.

Its flown several missions since it 'arrived'

insert ' from its last mission' between arrived & and, possibly ?

I don’t think it’s flown for a month now so chances of it leaving tomorrow are very slim without any engine tests.

BOLD32 requesting engine start